Bollywood and extravagance are inextricable. With that, grand festivities of Indian festivals are an absolute must! With one of the most loved festivals of the country, Diwali, is almost round the corner, here is a look at all the most iconic Diwali scenes in some of the most memorable Bollywood films.
If you’re a movie buff or are simply looking to sit back and enjoy a Diwali-themed film this festive season, this watchlist is all you really need –
Mohabbatein (2000)
We HAD to begin with this wholesome film, featuring the best of the best – Amitabh Bacchan, Shahrukh Khan, and Aishwarya Rai among many others, that manages to steal our hearts each time we watch it!
Celebrating the festival of lights, the main cast ensemble of the film is seen dancing to the famous song, ‘Pairon Mein Bandhan Hai’, while our beloved SRK plays cupid to the three couples.
Youube “Pairon Mein Bandhan Hain” Song
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001)
Would this list even be iconic without including this blockbuster of the early 2000s? The very opening scene of the film is centered around Diwali festivities, with the Raichand family’s elaborate Diwali puja.
Guests dancing in synchronized choreography, and extravagant decorations in their lavish, sprawling mansion are all commonplace in the Raichand world.
This is all just moments before Mrs. Raichand almost drops her ‘thaali’ while running to the door so she can welcome her NRI son’s return back home.
Youube “Pairon Mein Bandhan Hain” Song
Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar (1992)
My personal favourite, Ayesha Jhulka and Aamir Khan are both so charming, you’d have a tough time deciding who you love more!
The scene features the two ‘platonic’ (but not so platonic) best friends, along with Kiran Zaveri and Mamik Singh, spreading festive cheer and Diwali excitement with the song ‘Sheher ki Pariyon ke Peeche’.
With exuberant lights and costumes alike, the sly glances and cocky flirting between the pairs will surely leave you smiling.
Youube “Shehar ki Pariyon Ke Peeche” Song
Hum Aapke Hai Kaun (1994)
This one serves as a prime example of how religious gatherings and family celebrations stand to be the binding units for every individual, and one that demands loyalty, sacrifice, love, and compromise.
In this 1990s hit Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit starrer, the role of family is paramount for all of them. It’s hard to miss that ‘I love my family’ graffiti on Salman’s jeep. With the arrival of a new born in the family, there is joyous celebration of the festival of lights.
YoutTube “Bada Asaan Sa Game” – Hum Aapke Hain Kaun
Sadma (1983)
As heart-wrenching this Sridevi movie was, the Diwali scene was just as heart-warming. Featuring the song, ‘Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le’ – Sridevi (Nehalata) and Kamaal Hassan (Somu) are seen lighting ‘fuljhadis’ and crackers to celebrate Diwali, soon after he decides to take her to his home in Ooty to take care of her on account of her acute amnesia.
YoutTube “Aye Jindagi Gale Lagaa Le” – Sadma
Aisha (2010)
We wish we had style as impeccable as Sonam Kapoor (Aisha) in this movie. A relatable girl-next-door, Aisha is basically all of us when it comes to dealing with boys and her love life. This brief Diwali scene in the movies features her in a gorgeous lehenga, feeling jealous as ever of her best ‘friend’, Arjun’s, New York returned friend, Aarti (Lisa Haydon).
Golmaal 3 (2010)
This action-packed comedy series has got to be our all-time favourite. In this third part, it’s Diwali season, and our infamous Vasooli Bhai sets up his new firecracker business. But he is soon distressed when he discovers a firecracker shop right opposite his. What ensues is a hysterical war between the two rival groups.
YoutTube “Business of Firecrackers” – Golmaal 3
Vaastav (1999)
Narrating the story of a young boy who grows up to join the mafia, the grim Diwali scene in this movie features Sanjay Dutt returning home after making it big in the underworld – a metaphorical contrast with Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after his reigning victory.
YoutTube “Diwali Scene” – Vaastav
So, guess you won’t have to worry about your Diwali season watch-list for this month! What’s better than binge-ing some classic Bollywood with your family, amidst all the festivities?